FLIR DM284 Imaging Multimeter Review

Any professional technician will agree that there is a great deal of convenience when you only have to carry one tool to the job. Well, having a thermal imaging multi-meter is one of the best ways to hit two birds with one stone. While digital multi-meters are great for testing voltage, current, and resistance, combining it with the utility of a thermal imager ensures that you solve problems fast and effectively. FLIR is already a reputable name in the making of thermal imagers, however, with the FLIR DM 284, this manufacturer has surely proved to be the leading the pack of imaging multi-meters.

The FLIR DM284 comes with an impressive 160 x 120 thermal camera sensor that works well to point out the faults and leakages. Simply put, it is a must-have tool for speeding up troubleshooting while enabling professionals to pinpoint hotspots more efficiently and safely. On the other hand, the digital multi-meter is top in its class and has a capacity to perform 18 measurement functions. It features high-quality test probes and a thermocouple input for simultaneous measurements of electrical and thermal values. To put it simply, the FLIR DM 284 is one of the best all-in-one multi-meters you will find at its price point.

FLIR Dm284 Specifications

IR resolution of 160 x 120

FLIR Lepton thermal imaging detector

Fixed focus

≤ 150 mK Thermal sensitivity

18 measurement functions

2.8 inch display

Laser pointer included

AC/DC Volts: 100V, 1%/0.09%

AC/DC mVolts : 600.0mV, 1%/0.5%

VFD:1000V,±1.0%

AC / DC LoZ V: 1000V, ±1.5%

AC / DC mAmps: 400.0mA, ±1.5%

AC / DC μAmps: 4,000μA, ±1.0%

Resistance: 50 MΩ, 0.9%

Frequency Range: 99.99kHz, 0.1%

Flex Clamp Range: 3000A AC (Optional TA72/74): ±3.0% + 5 digits

3m durable drop test

10 year warranty

Features of this digital multimeter

1. Easy to use

Right out of the box, the FLIR DM284 is designed to be an easy to use tool. It comes with a handy kickstand that lets you get a better vantage point by letting the FLIR DM284 stand on the surface of your workshop desk. There is also an optional holder that features a magnet that easily sticks inside an open service panel. Basically, the entire body design is built to make it easy to view your measurements without having to hold it up. There is more, the FLIR DM284 also comes with an intuitive user interface that has a menu that can be navigated with ease. The onboard laser pointer and LED lights work to add to the utility this tool provides without complications. In fact, the multiple color pallets and the large 2.8-inch display make it easy to see the temperature patterns which is everything a professional electrician would need.

2. Durability and build quality

Even a beginner will easily tell apart a FLIR multi-meter from the rest; all thanks to the build quality that FLIR puts in all its products. With the FLIR DM284, you get a meter covered by a rubberized material that makes it durable with a non-slip grip. The FLIR DM284 has actually been tested to survive a 3 meter drop which means it can be put through the paces and still manage to hold its edge. Furthermore, it has a water and dust resistant design not to mention an IP54 rating which is nothing to sneeze at. To top it all off the FLIR DM284 is backed by a 10-year warranty which is more than what you get with most rivals in the market.

3. Thermal Camera

The thermal imager on the FLIR DM284 is by far one of its most outstanding features. It is a must-have for electricians and technicians looking for a tool that will speed up the troubleshooting process. This thermal imager features Infrared Guided Measurements (IGM) technology which adds to the tool’s efficiency by guiding you to the precise location of the problem. In addition to its effective thermal imaging, you get a high-quality thermal camera with a 160 x 120 resolution. By only taking advantage of the IGM feature this tool enables you to quickly scan, wires, panels, and connectors from a safe distance while identifying the source of the problem.

Although the thermal imager does not let you record videos or images, it comes with 3 color palettes that display vividly on the high contrast 2.8-inch display. From roofers to plumbers and electricians, the thermal imager on the FLIR DM284 proves to be a useful tool that can ensure safety in the work areas as well as helping to you save money.

4. Multi-meter

You don’t just get a thermal imager when you grab the FLIR DM284. This tool is an all-in-one device that also includes a multimeter capable of 18 measurement functions. It comes with some of the best high-quality probes out there. In fact, the package also includes a set of universal FLIR TA72 and TA74 current probes that are made with a flexible coil clamp for easy measurement in spots that are tight or hard to reach. In case you are in a work area with noisy signals, the FLIR DM284 comes with a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) that provides accurate frequency, voltage, and current readings all thanks to a low pass filter. You also get a thermocouple that lets you view both thermal and electrical measurements which is great.

Applications

Apart from the FLIR DM284 being a utility to electricians, its usefulness is realized by a good number of technicians including roofers, DIYers, plumbers and any other mechanics who need a tool for troubleshooting. Basically, there are many trades that would benefit from the use of the FLIR DM284 thanks to its game-changing approach of providing thermal and electrical measurements with one tool,

FLIR DM284 vs FLIR DM285

While FLIR has both the FLIR DM 284 and the DM285 designed to be all-in-one industrial digital multi-meters and thermal imagers, there are some clear differences that set them apart. The first main difference is that the DM285 comes with Bluetooth connectivity that enables wireless data transfer of thermal images. Compared to the DM284, the DM285 stands out for those looking for accurate documentation as it allows you to share information from your inspection with your clients. There is also a difference in terms of IP rating with the DM285 standing at IP54 while the DM 285 is set at IP40,

PROS:

Intuitive design

Durable rugged build quality

10-year warranty

Quality probes

Fast and reliable performance

CONS:

The batteries tend to die fast

Cannot save images

Final Thoughts:

By the look of the customer reviews about the FLIR DM284, it is clear that this is a go-to tool for commercial electricians, technicians plumbers and DIYers looking to inspect and calibrate mechanical and electrical systems. The FLIR DM284 is built to be a reliable all in one tool for multiple applications and with enough features to guarantee safety during inspections in the work area. The only downside recorded so far is a few complaints from users about its low battery life and the fact that you cannot save your images. Although if you purchase the DM285 you can send the images to your computer via WiFi which for some may make it worth the extra money.

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